Dos and Donts for Profile Photos

Dos

• Do Smile Genuinely

  • A warm, friendly smile makes you appear welcoming and approachable, which is crucial when hosting international students.
  • Look directly into the camera, creating a sense of connection and openness.

• Do Highlight a Safe and Comfortable Environment

  • Background: Consider taking the photo in a homely setting, like your living room, dining area, or even your garden. Make sure the background is clean, well-organized, and reflects a welcoming environment.
    
    

• Do Use Natural Lighting

  • Take your photo in well-lit areas, preferably using soft natural light. This will help make the picture look clear and professional without harsh shadows.

• Do Present Yourself as Approachable

  • Dress Neatly: Choose casual but presentable clothing. You don’t need formal attire, but you want to look well-groomed and approachable. A comfortable, well-fitting outfit is best.
  • Posture: Stand or sit upright with open body language to reflect confidence and warmth.

• Do Dress Neatly and Appropriately

  • Wear clean, casual, and modest clothing that represents your household’s culture and environment. Simple, well-fitted clothes work best.

• Do Keep the Background Simple

  • Use a tidy, uncluttered background like a living room, kitchen, or outdoor space. This helps highlight your home environment and gives a sense of comfort.

• Do Focus on Your Face

  • Ensure the photo is framed properly, with your face clearly visible (head-and-shoulders or waist-up shots). Good focus on your face is crucial for creating connection and trust.

• Do Include Family Members or Pets

  • If you’re hosting as a family, include family members in the picture. If you have pets that will be part of the student’s experience, make sure to include them too.

• Do Ensure Good Photo Quality

  • Use a high-resolution photo to avoid blurriness or pixelation. A clear and sharp image reflects better on your profile.

• Do Dress Conservatively if Unsure

  • When in doubt, dress modestly. You want to appeal to students and families from different cultures, so avoid overly casual or revealing outfits.

• Do Update Your Photo Regularly

  • Make sure the picture reflects your current appearance. If you’ve had a significant change in looks, update your photo to avoid confusion for arriving students.

Don’ts

• Don’t Use Group Photos

  • Avoid using a picture where it’s unclear who the host is. Focus solely on yourself (or your immediate hosting family) to avoid confusion.

• Don’t Use Poor Lighting

  • Dark, grainy, or overly shadowed pictures can make you look unprofessional or less approachable. Steer clear of dim lighting or backlighting.

• Don’t Use Overly Staged or Formal Photos

  • You don’t need a professional headshot with stiff poses. Opt for a more natural and relaxed photo that reflects your homey and approachable personality.
  • Avoid Clutter: A simple, tidy background gives the impression of a comfortable and safe space.
    
    

• Don’t Overuse Filters or Edit Excessively

  • Avoid heavy filters or airbrushing that alters your appearance too much. Stay true to your natural look, as authenticity is important when hosting students.

• Don’t Use Distracting or Messy Backgrounds

  • Cluttered or overly busy backgrounds can be distracting and make your home look disorganized. Avoid spaces that appear messy or unwelcoming.

• Don’t Wear Flashy or Distracting Clothing

  • Bright colors, busy patterns, or statement accessories can draw attention away from your face. Keep the focus on you, not your outfit.

• Don’t Use Selfies or Unprofessional Angles

  • Avoid poorly angled selfies or awkwardly taken photos. Ideally, use a tripod or have someone else take the photo to get the best framing.

• Don’t Include Unrelated People

  • Avoid photos with random friends, acquaintances, or people who won’t be part of the student’s hosting experience.

• Don’t Use Old or Outdated Photos

  • Using a very old photo might mislead students and their families about who they’ll be meeting. Keep the photo current and representative of how you look now.

• Don't Use Screenshots from Social Media or Google

  • Avoid using screenshots from social media or online maps. Your profile picture should not include images of your home taken from Google Maps or any other source that displays your address.